3. Hiking Virginia with Phil Riggan I Author of ’60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Richmond’

“Given the current situation, we call them sanity hikes or sanity bike rides in my family. Hiking is a great thing for social distancing for anybody, especially for families, because you can’t stare at the same four walls all day and keep your mental facility straight. So it’s important to get out and connect with nature.” – Phil Riggan, Author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles Richmond

From his early days as a child on his grandfather’s farm to recent years exploring the outdoors with his own children, today’s guest, Phil Riggan, has spent a lifetime hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring Virginia. Phil recently hiked over 240 miles to write his new book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles, Richmond. In this episode, Phil highlights some of his favorite routes and outdoor spaces, including some new and lesser-known areas. Let’s Go!

Links Mentioned:

• Book: 60 Hikes within 60 Miles Richmond, 3rd Edition https://www.menasharidge.com/product.php?productid=16906

• Blue Ridge Parkway https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

• Pilot Mountain, Laurel Fork https://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/PilotMountainScenicOverlook/

• Wahrani Nature Park, New Kent County http://www.co.new-kent.va.us/309/Parks-Facilities

• Appomattox River Trail, Petersburg http://petersburgva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Appomattox-River-Park-16

• Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, Petersburg https://folar-va.org/

• Richmond Slave Trail, Richmond https://www.virginia.org/Listings/HistoricSites/RichmondSlaveTrail/

• James River Park System, Richmond http://www.richmondgov.com/parks/parkJamesRiverSystem.aspx

• Virginia State Parks https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

• Westmoreland State Park, Montross https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland

• Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas

• Powhatan State Park, Powhatan https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/powhatan

• Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/lake-anna

• Twin Lakes State Park, Green Bay https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/twin-lakes

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Area Preserves https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Wildlife Management Areas https://dwr.virginia.gov/wma/

• Crows Nest Natural Area Preserve, Stafford https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/crowsnest

• Waller Mill Park, Williamsburg https://www.williamsburgva.gov/government/department-i-z/parks-recreation/waller-mill-park

• Virginia Capitol Trail, Richmond to Williamsburg https://www.virginiacapitaltrail.org/

• Greensprings Park, James City County https://jccalert.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Greensprings-Interpretive-Trail-48

• Walnut Creek Park, Albemarle County https://www.albemarle.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/60/360

• Dorey Park, Henrico County https://henrico.us/rec/places/dorey/

• Bryan Park, Richmond http://www.richmondgov.com/parks/parkBryan.aspx

• Leakes Mill Park, Goochland https://www.goochlandva.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Leakes-Mill-Park-6

• Rivanna Trail, Charlottesville http://rivannatrails.org/

• River View Park, Charlottesville https://www.charlottesville.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Riverview-Park-61

• Rappahannock River Heritage Trail, Fredericksburg https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/1562/Rappahannock-River-Heritage-Trail

• North Bank Trail, Richmond https://www.visitrichmondva.com/listing/north-bank-trail/3308/

• Belle Isle Park, Richmond http://richmondgov.com/parks/

• Pony Pasture, Richmond http://richmondgov.com/parks/

• Fountain Books, Richmond https://www.fountainbookstore.com/search/site/60%20hikes%20within%2060%20miles

• Walkabout Outfitters https://www.walkaboutoutfitter.com/

• REI, Richmond Short Pump https://www.rei.com/stores/richmond-short-pump.html

• Strava GPS Cycling and Running App https://www.strava.com/mobile

• W & OD Trail, Purcellville to Arlington http://www.wodfriends.org/

• Channels State Forest, Saltville http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/list/channels.htm

• Crabtree Falls, Nelson County https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667

• Appalachian Trail https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm

• Devils Marble Yard, Natural Bridge https://www.visitroanokeva.com/listings/devils-marbleyard/6637/

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